Often there is an item that makes us smile or gives us pause to consider (seriously) what kind of parents we are to have produced such children!!
(Some past inclusions…and I am NOT making this up….backyard garden of vegetables, hot tub in my bedroom, personal refrig, addition to my bedroom, sports convertible. This year's list included a separate category: "Feeling rich?" )
This year one of my kids had a single category at the end of the list. It followed the headings of 1) Sports items, 2) DVD’s, 3) Clothes, and 3) Electronics.
It simply read as follows:
If You Love Me:
1. Phone
The single item listed is not very elaborate, very much in our financial ‘reach’. Yet, as of this moment in -------‘s life, it is an unrealized desire. And it is coveted greatly!
(So far, we have withheld said item so that appropriate maturity, discernment and the demonstrated reason to even have it is established and proven. Not quite there yet. )
The implied message in this request is pretty clear here: “If you LOVE me, you’ll give this item.”
And I know in the mind of this ever-maturing, but-doesn’t-see-the-whole-picture Pratt, it is truth. “If you loved me, you’d realize how much this would make me happy and provide it! (Case closed!)”
As I walked away smiling at the strategy /thinking behind this request, it hit me that this does not only happen on teenage Christmas gift lists.
This desire-influenced ‘logic’ happens regularly in the minds & hearts of God’s children as we bring our most personal and important requests before Him.
“If you REALLY loved me, you’d give me this.”
Oh, of course it is not usually an electronic item. (We are much more sophisticated than that!) It more often falls along the lines of what will make our lives & those of who we love better (according to our judgement).
Health. A stable job. That relationship issue resolved.
Kids that obey. A husband that helps. A Christian life that fits my criteria. A family that functions smoothly.
Mental health. Joy. Deliverance from worry.
Removal of trial. Clear wisdom for a hard decision.
Even lofty “spiritual” requests: a godly home/husband, a church that meets my needs, a certain ministry desire…., a task/goal completed.
“IF you really loved me, God, you’d give __________.”
Yet, how often must God look down in his amazing wisdom, unimaginable love and vast insight and say,
“No…. I have something better.”
“You can trust me. Indeed, it is my love that prevents me from the fulfillment of this request.”
Love.
That’s why there will be no phone under the Pratt tree this year (again). Although the coming year could prove time ripe for this desire.
Our love as parents sees something more important than just making our child happy…we desire to make him better.
(And I think Scripture proves that very same thinking of our Heavenly Father for us. Only perfected and infinitely more wise.)
He’s trustworthy to leave our list in His hands.
Doesn’t mean we don’t (or shouldn’t) ask Him for what our heart desires.
Just don’t put it under the category “IF YOU LOVE ME…”
God, make this true in my own heart & life. May I continue to have faith: the gaze of my soul at a saving God, knowing You are wise, good and loving. You are the only answer to all that my soul needs. And help me rest in this: that in the denial of any request I make, it is only your whisper of “something better, my child, something better!” that guides your response. ~Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate your input.